How to Use Coupons Effectively
Coupon use has been around for so many years. I remember where my mother kept her old beat up shoebox full of coupons in our old house and how it was organized with index cards too. Every Sunday she would clip her coupons and organize her shoebox, then write a grocery list on an envelope and insert the coupons that she needed to match her list.
I don’t use a shoebox, but I have taken to the envelope system as I had seen her use for so many years. It wasn’t until I became a mother that I really started using coupons. I use coupons to purchase just about everything that I can for our family to help us save money and stay in budget. It has become a way of life for us, and couponing doesn’t have to be stressful, if you are organized and know where to find coupons it will be easy and enjoyable.
Where to find coupons
There are many places to find coupons other than in the Sunday newspaper. Until I really started couponing, I never knew about coupons.com, smartsource.com and redplum.com to print coupons. Stores and brands also offer coupons on Facebook, Twitter and on their websites.
Not only do I print coupons from coupons.com, but I also use the app on my iPhone and I can print coupons from my phone to my wireless printer. Target also offers mobile coupons that are sent to you via text message and you can show the text to the cashier to receive the discounts.
Another way to receive coupons is to e-mail, write or call the company and ask them if they have any coupons to send you. You’ll be surprised at how many companies will mail you coupons to use products!
Stacking and Doubling
Most stores will allow you stack coupons, which is when you use one of their store specific coupons with a manufacturer’s coupon. For example, at Walgreen’s I can use a coupon from their weekly ad along with a manufacturer’s coupon to save more money on the product. Always refer to the store specific coupon policy.
Most grocery stores also double coupons up to $1. This is certainly helpful if there is an item on sale and you have a coupon that will double. I always look at all of the coupons that I have that are under $1 and match those to the sales at my grocery store so I can get the most for our money.
Each store has a coupon policy and the key is to learn the policy so you don’t run into any issues at check out.
If you’re on a budget, coupons are a great way to save money if you stay organized and use them to your advantage!
Nikki Muroski is a mommy of three, a wife and a blogger for her site, Nickel-and-Diming with Nikki. She is also a regular contributor to the CareOne Debt Relief Services blog, a community that provides debt consolidation and money-saving advice.
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